E-450 Van Hauler
 

What do you guys think about using E-450 van minibus and convert into Toterhome??? Anyone done this before? Curious tow rating and hauling capabilities. The price of these style minibus are cheap compared to other diesel dully options. convert inside similiar to limo bus style for comfortable traveling with crew of 4-6. Dual purpose for good concert/tailgating rig.

Ebay listing of what im talking about for base vehicle
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...d=321679828149

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I think it's a great idea. You will have to build up the rear of frame for a hitch. We used to tow our race boat with a 14' box truck. Worked out great. Carried all the tools and spare parts with us all the time. Could carry the whole crew also. Go for it. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how much you'll like it.

I had a E350 16ft box van loaded up to 10k lbs. I often towed my dump trailer with it. I used to go through the scales at 17k. Did just fine. The 5.4 triton was very wimpy though. If you found a 7.3 you would be good to go.

If its a people hauler with 200k on the odometer it probably handles link a drunken marshmallow. Also being a TTB ford van plan on going thru the front end so it goes where you point it. If you into something like that perhaps look for an old motorhome, while it will be a soft wollowy pig handling wise you can probably find the same size vehicle with the same motor with 1/3 the miles much cheaper. I have an older 24' motorhome with the 460 and you wouldnt know the boat was behind me. Also had a ford box van with the 6.9 diesel years ago when I was racing, Wish they still made that motor. wasn't the most powerfull thing but you just could not kill one. unlike fords newer diesels with the self destruct feature.

Do you think if i found a 7.3 diesel i would be able to tow 42 Outerlimits? Is that asking to much of the rig?

Short bus towing a OL?

Look into one of those sprinter vans, kinda sounds what you are looking for without having the millage problems.

sprinter vans dont have the towing capability gm and ford do

One thing to consider Is insurance when the vehicle can haul 10 plus people.

The thought reminds me of Shipping Wars, Jarrett Joyce that is always using some random tow vehicle.
http://www.aetv.com/shipping-wars/cast

Former Uhaul trucks would be similar I would imagine and are rated for 7,000# towing.

Ha yes it looks a lot like that church bus. I dated the girl who produces Jarrett's segments and he has to use different trucks because the tow rating on it was too low for a lot of his loads.

I always thought an E450 conversion would make a great multi purpose hauler. my only concern is the distance the ball would be from the axle, seems like it would be pretty far and be a bit of a torque multiplier.

I agree with GlassDave about the long overhang behind the rear axle.

If you want to try something similar, consider a decomssioned ambulance. Some of those are already on mid duty trucks, and most have the biggest diesel available in them. Here's one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FL-60-8-3L-C...mercial_Trucks

I did a 2003 ambulance cab with a 7.3 a few years ago . it had a 63 inch peterbuilt sleeper on it with a 8 ft flat bed . it was way short on power , it didn't have a intercooler on it so not enought power . the newer ones with a 6.0 will have a innercooler , more power. there are pics of it on here some where . post pics of your ride . it is a
white e450

e450
 

search distinct & unusual tow vehicles

Hope that you never have to work under the hood. It's a bit tight in there.

That's what she said.

yarrrdy yarrr yarrr.